Stee's Raleigh Grifter Mk1 NN6 Restoration (Steel Blue)

[stee]

Blue Mk1 Restoration Thread.

This is my original bike, bought nearly new in 1980.

After a stalled restoration attempt in the 90's by  my brother - this time it will get done.

Before







During

[cavboy80]

Nice progress. Looks like a thorough job's being done, good too that it's an original bike from your childhood.

[stee]

Some more progress

Managed to salvage original front forks. Unfortunately the original handle bars were damaged beyond repair getting them off. I managed to get some replacement ones, they're Mk2, so will be cutting 1/2" off the end of each of the original bars and will weld them onto the Mk2 ones, also will transfer the original Mk1 foam pad as I have to take the foam off the Mk2 anyway (to weld) and it's foam is split. Original chain put back, with a split link.

[blueboy]

1/2" difference in the handlebars? I never knew that. That's great attention to detail. Looking good!

[stee]

Update

[cavboy80]

Looking very nice, probably not looked like that for a few years. Keep up the good work.

[gingerrich76]

It does look very well... but between us, you will be purchasing a set of Supergrips to finish it off?

[blueboy]

Nice work!

[stee]

Aug 20, 2016 15:10:02 GMT blueboy said:

Nice work!

No won't be worrying about supergrips. I realised I haven't got the budget for a concours rebuild. I only expect to do a good restoration, rather than rebuild. I've even cheated on re- chroming. I've done what I can sanding and polishing and used the Aldi chrome paint to fill the bad bits - it's ace.

[Jason]

Looking good . I have a few bits kicking around if you have trouble finding anything .
Keep up the good work .

[stee]

Looking for intact chain guard and fork thimbles.

Cheers Stee

[gingerrich76]

I have a set of thimbles.. not mint, but you can have them :-)

I found a pair of supers for a tenner for my Mk1. Age related tho.
The £40 ones on the bay are good for the price. I have those on my Mk2. Worth saving for either way :-)

[stee]

Hi, interested in the thimbles...thanks - can you put up a photo please - If they're no better than mine, I won't need to trouble you further. cheers Stee

[gingerrich76]

These thimbles.... I've lost one and the one I have isn't great. I wouldn't fit it to a nice looking bike like yours is turning out to be.
Make a list ..someone will help out sooner or later :-)

[stee]

ok, thanks will keep my eye out, cheers